Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) – After seven seasons of partnering with the Cincinnati Cyclones, the Buffalo Sabres have announced a new partner in the ECHL with the Jacksonville Icemen.
This keeps Buffalo with two developmental teams, with the other being the Rochester Americans of the American Hockey League between the NHL and ECHL.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Jacksonville Icemen as our new ECHL affiliate," said Sabres general manager Kevyn Adams in a statement. "This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both organizations and further emphasizes our commitment to the growth and development of our players and staff.
"The Icemen's dedication to excellence both on and off the ice, coupled with competitive conference play, made them a great fit for our new affiliate."
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The Icemen were affiliated with the New York Rangers last year. Sabres assistant coach Jason Christie was Jacksonville’s head coach for four years, and is the ECHL’s all-time leader in games coached and wins.
Players that play in Jacksonville are more likely to play in Rochester than Buffalo. The only Cyclones players to get any NHL games in recent years are goalies Michael Houser, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen and Jonas Johansson.
